In a striking departure from his past alliance, Lansana Gagny Sakho, a prominent political figure now aligned with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s Kiiraay party, has leveled sharp criticism against his former mentor, Ousmane Sonko. Speaking during a high-profile media appearance, Sakho accused Sonko of failing to uphold the principles of the Republic, a stance he contrasts with his own unwavering commitment to institutional integrity.
a principled stand: rejecting power for the sake of conviction
Sakho, who once served as a close associate of Sonko, revealed that he declined a prestigious government appointment in the water and sanitation sector immediately following the political transition. His decision was rooted in a refusal to compromise his core values for personal gain. “Positions should not take precedence over principles,” he asserted. “I chose the Republic from the very beginning.”
sonko’s leadership questioned: a lack of republican commitment?
The former ally went further, charging that Sonko “has never truly chosen the Republic.” He pointed to public remarks made by Sonko during President Faye’s official visits to the United States and China, where Sonko criticized what he described as a lack of authority in the country. According to Sakho, such statements undermined the government’s standing and embarrassed the head of state.
For Sakho, the essence of political leadership lies in strengthening institutions and ensuring the smooth functioning of the state. While acknowledging past challenges on both sides, he highlighted significant progress, particularly in the justice sector, as evidence of positive change under the current administration.
justice sector under scrutiny: magistrates resist political pressure
Sakho also addressed recent changes at the Ministry of Justice, where the former minister, Ousmane Diagne, had declared before parliament that no one could manipulate him. Sakho alleged that Diagne’s removal was an attempt to install a more compliant figure who would influence the judiciary. “They underestimated the magistrates,” he said. “Judges are not puppets.” His remarks underscore a broader theme: the realities of governance often differ starkly from opposition perspectives.
